I'm going to be helping a bunch of girls scouts make mothers day gifts in a couple months and I'd like to start planning my crafts now. The girls will range in age from Kindergarten to junior high (i know, BIG difference) I was considering (very seriously) splitting them up in two or three age groups. K-3, 4-8,or something like that. Here's the help I need: I need a craft idea (or two or three) that is age appropriate and not the handprint-on-sweatshirt thing theyre used to, but will still be sweet and sentimental for their mom's. Any idea's will be sooo appreciated. Thanks!

wow, a whole case.... I so miss the days when my mom was cookie mom (6 years in a row!!! ) and we'd end up with half the extra boxes... mmmmm.....

as for projects, the coolest thing we ever made was etched glass vases (we had cool leaders). I think we just did some simple stuff on it. it would only be suitable for the older girls. we did it in 6th grade and that was in someone's house. I can't remember what we did any other year, but if I remember I'll be sure to post!

i think deviding them would be a good idea, but when i read your post this crossed my mind:why not let the older age group sew some very simple pillows (they could even be pin cushions) and the little ones could decorate them using small fabric shapes and lace or flowers using glue.

also the older ones could make small bags (for makeup or reading glasses...etc.) and the little ones could decorate them.

another idea is to get plain boxes and decorate them with craft paper and flowers, ribbons etc. and fill them with smaller crafts made out of clay or salt dough...

the older group could make altoid tin travel scented candles.

both groups could decorate plain cups or plates (bought at the dollar store) with paint, ribbons, flowers, beads, glitter etc...

i'm not sure whether these ideas help, if i have other ideas i'll let you know.

Along the glass etching idea.. they actually have like, etch-on transfers... I'm not really sure where you can find them, how much they cost, or anything about them, really, but I do kow that my mom and I put a Christmas stocking on a mirror one year about 10 years ago, and it won't come off.

So maybe if you find those little transfers for the littler ones, the older ones can use stencils and etching cream... just an idea. Good luck, and i'm glad to find out that you're looking for something that's outside the box.

On making etched glass, the etching cream is highly caustic and not good for children. I would suggest replacing etching cream with opaque glass paint, which will give you that frosted glass look, but is a lot safer.

thanks for all of the suggestions so far ,guys. theyre all great. I even have a few few of them combing in my head. I especially liked the polymer clay votive idea. I saw a sculpey clay that was kind of transparent a little while back and I think that would look really neat. That one also reminded me of sculpey covered pens, wich would be very cool too. i'm going to the craft store tonight to check out prices on supplies. feel free to keep the ideas flowing. Thanks again

My mom made them with her kindergarten class and you can simply make them more elaborate for the older girls

For the kindergarten level you can just use two pieces of fabric and then sew them together and stuff them..then you personalize them as the girl's mom with markers and paint

In the case of this project you might get the older girls to help the younger one's (like temporary troup leaders) they might enjoy feeling responsible for the younger girls..I know in Grade 8 I enjoyed being an "older buddy" for a grade 1 kid

For a kind of "stained-glass" looking vase, you need an old jar, a bunch of different coloured tissue paper, and some watered down glue (I think half-and-half, but you might want to experiment a bit first). Rip the coloured tissue paper into small pieces then hold a piece onto the jar and paint over it with the glue to hold it on. Just continue with random colours until the jar is covered. The good thing about this is that if you use white glue it's washable, so it's easy to clean up the mess after. I remember making one of these for mother's day a while back, no later than grade 3.And I second the idea of letting the older girls help the younger ones. Maybe get the younger ones to do this and think of something more challenging for the older ones. Although, it could get interesting if you made pictures with the pieces of tissue paper.... hmm... I might have to try this tomorrow!